Steve Bruce risks the wrath of Scotland boss Steve Clarke over Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser selection 'gamble' comment

Ryan Fraser of Scotland controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Scotland and Faroe Islands on March 31, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Steve Bruce has risked the wrath of Ryan Fraser and his Scotland boss Steve Clarke after claiming it would be a ‘gamble’ to select the Newcastle United winger for Euro 2020.

Fraser has been out injured for Newcastle, not playing since Scotland’s 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands on March 31, a game in which he scored.

And while he has not kicked a ball for United for nearly two months, he is, however, expected to be named in the Euros squad when Clarke drops his 26-man list tomorrow.

Bruce believes it is a ‘gamble’ taking the former Bournemouth man, who has been in and out all season due to injury.

Speaking ahead of the Magpies’ game against Sheffield United tomorrow evening, Bruce said: "As for Ryan, it has been a difficult time for him.

“He does desperately need a pre-season. Pre-season will be huge for him.

“Whether he is going to be picked in the Scotland squad, I think that would be a gamble as he has not played the last six or seven weeks.

“He has had no real football football or trained (in that time).

“Pre-season will be key for him. He didn't have a pre-season the year before and last season's was a non-entity really.

“The same goes for Isaac (Hayden) and Jamaal Lascelles – it is key for all of them.”

This summer is the first time in a generation Scotland have qualified for a major tournament – and it is unlikely Aberdeen-born Fraser will want to miss out.